Francis calls for Iraq troop phaseout

He says he would bring troops home in year 'at most.'

He says he would bring troops home in year 'at most.'

March 23, 2006|JAMES WENSITS Tribune Political Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Congressional candidate Steve Francis said Wednesday that it's time to start bringing U.S. troops home. Francis, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2nd District congressional seat, noted that President Bush has asked for patience from the American people. "I say my patience is exhausted," Francis said. The Democratic candidate said it is clear to him that neither Bush nor incumbent U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, R-2nd, have a plan for Iraq. "I say to President Bush and to Representative Chocola, 'you must not pass the buck. We must act on an exit plan now.' " Francis also said he believes the withdrawal should take place over the next year "at most." Without a plan for withdrawal, Francis said, the United States could be in Iraq for at least five years and possibly another 10 years. "I don't see an end to it." According to Francis, the war has actually weakened national security rather than improving it, and has undermined U.S. credibility abroad while providing a recruitment tool for al- Qaida. Francis complained that his Democratic rival, Joe Donnelly, has been silent as to what he would do about Iraq. "My opponent has only said that he would ask serious questions of the president. The time for questioning is over," Francis said. "He's misstated my position," Donnelly responded. "It's been clear that the stunning incompetence of this administration has let down our troops in Iraq. The administration has failed to properly plan while our troops have gone above and beyond the call of duty." Donnelly said the nation deserves to know what the future situation will be "so we can bring our troops home as quickly as possible and leave a stable Iraq behind." Francis said the cost of the war will surpass $300 billion by the end of this year and estimated that the final cost could go as high as $1 trillion if the war continues past the Bush presidency. Staff writer James Wensits: jwensits@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6353